John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) has reported a robust operational performance for the third quarter of FY2025/26, with Group EBITDA increasing by 68% year-on-year to Rs.23.76 billion. This growth was fueled by enhanced profitability across all business sectors.
The cumulative EBITDA for the nine months ending December 31, 2025, rose by 84% to Rs.55.10 billion, compared to Rs.29.94 billion in the previous year. This reflects broad-based growth across the Group’s diversified portfolio.
JKH noted that the operationalization of two of its largest projects—City of Dreams Sri Lanka and the West Container Terminal (WCT-1) at the Port of Colombo—continued to advance positively, with quarter-on-quarter momentum suggesting strong ramp-up potential.
Despite disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah in November, the Group reported no significant operational or financial impact from the adverse weather conditions. JKH and its affiliates contributed Rs.500 million to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ initiative to support relief efforts.
Profit attributable to equity holders for the quarter stood at Rs.6.48 billion, compared to Rs.2.85 billion in the corresponding period last year. This figure includes fair value gains on investment property and net exchange losses totaling Rs.1.45 billion.
During the quarter, the Group recorded fair value gains of Rs.2.30 billion on investment property and net exchange losses of Rs.759 million, primarily due to rupee depreciation on foreign currency-denominated loans related to City of Dreams Sri Lanka.
City of Dreams Sri Lanka reported a positive EBITDA of Rs.1.43 billion for the first time since its operations began, supported by improving performance at Cinnamon Life, Nuwa hotels, and a gradual recovery in casino operations. The previous year’s corresponding period recorded a negative EBITDA of Rs.1.57 billion.
The Sri Lankan leisure sector also showed stronger results, driven by increased tourist arrivals and improved occupancy levels. Meanwhile, the Colombo West International Terminal reported steady month-on-month growth in throughput and achieved a positive profit-after-tax ahead of expectations.
JKH’s Consumer Group (JKCG) delivered a robust performance despite the ongoing dispute with Sri Lanka Customs, supported by a strong order pipeline of over 3,900 vehicles scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
Reflecting confidence in future performance, JKH declared a second interim dividend of Rs.0.10 per share for FY2026, consistent with the first interim dividend paid in November 2025. The total dividend outlay for the second interim stands at Rs.1.77 billion, double the Rs.881 million paid in the previous year.
